VerdadVida

Hey Kiddos-This is mostly for you college-goers out there, but please, anyone with helpful ideas, come forward and help me.

I go to the University of Montana, where there is a strong religious presence on campus. I have no problem with this, but as a non theist, would like some social support in a secular manner. I'm looking to start a group here through the Campus Freethought Alliance, and you can read more about them here: CFA

As I'm new to organizing groups, getting things going, if any of you would answer some questions, it'd be uber helpful.

For what reasons would you join a secular support group? What could be said on posters/advertising to entice you to come to a meeting/contact me? How would you like the group set up structurally? Would you like to see theist/non-theist debates on campus? How could such a group serve you as a student, as a person? What would you like to see done? And then any general comments/ideas would be great.

And funnily enough, CFA mentions Campus Crusade For Christ alot- a group my cousin belongs to here on campus as well. I think it'd be great if we debated against one another....although I'm sure she'd throw a hissy fit first.

Bree

Just a word of caution: I have been part of those 'debates' against Christians, and I'd strongly caution you against holding any kind of formal, public meeting with CCC. The university more often than not 'sides' with the CCC (however quietly and discreetly) and nothing ever gets solved. If you're interested in debating with them, invite them to a private meeting.

MHO, of course.

VerdadVida

Thanks much for the advice. That would probably have been my most ambitious event, not coming for another year or so, anyway. CCC has an extremely strong presence on campus, with posters advertising their group outnumbering any other religious group 4 to 1. Eek.

Megusic

Hello,

I recently posted a similar thread on the church and state separation board, but I dont' think many people have experience w/ secular groups in college communities. I have also been looking into CFA, and have also been directed towards www.SecularStudents.org which I still am looking into. I am also overrun on my smallish Wisconsin campus by a few Christian cults.

My first interest in forming a secular on-campus group would be to be able to talk and get to know other secular freethinking people my age. I have only had one openly non-religious friend here and he quit school. While I wouldn't quite describe most of my friends as religious, they were all definately taken aback the first time i revealed I didn't believe in their gods. I am looking forward to meeting someone who when i describe myself as an agnostic atheist won't look like they just lost their puppy dog.

Also, I would like to use such a group to monitor secularity (is that a word?) on campus and a group that people can come to if they feel are having any problems, such as teachers being overtly religious in class.

Thirdly, something I would like my group to do is to be involved in secular community events. Something you often hear from theists are silly comments such as "when was the last time an ahteist group built a hospital?". I would like my group to be involved in bettering the community we live in.

I too am new to starting such a thing and am not even sure if I will ever get around to it, being busy w/ school and life and all. Let me/us know if you start anything!!

meg

Loki

Congrats on your initiative!

Be prepared to work your arse off to make it run. I went through the same thing roughly a year ago here at U of M(ichigan). You'll also have to sink some $$$ into the initial flyering. You might get it back with student group grants later on.

I registered with CFA last year, but things fell apart, so we merged with a group formed independently, and things are going well.

keep it simple to start; build your membership base, make sure you've people interested, and keep the meetings short and interesting.

Best of Luck
Marissa